Help Charley with some special memories

FIREFIGHTERS are hoping to raise enough money to make dreams come true for a terminally ill girl.

Little Charley Cronin is one of only eight people in the country who suffers from a serious digestive disorder.

The youngster, aged seven, of Haversham Drive, Easthampstead, has spent much of her life in Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Bracknell firefighter Sid Shepherd is Charley’s godfather. He has been friends with her dad Andy since they were at Wildridings Primary School and Brakenhale together.

Sid told The Standard: “Charley is a really remarkable little girl and we want to raise as much money as possible so the family can take her on a special trip, so they get some more good memories.”

Charley’s mum Kelly spends week days commuting to Great Ormond Street and Andy goes at the weekend.

“It’s really hard for all of them, and for Charley’s little brother Reece, but she is a credit to them all,” added Sid. “She came down to the fire station a short while ago and was still cheerful and smiling.”

The next stage in Charley’s treatment is a bowel transplant, but this has not yet been approved by her consultant.

Sid added: “It’s really harsh but they have to decide if it is better to give the transplant to someone whose life will be saved by it.

“For Charley to have a few more years and to be more comfortable is worth it, so we hope she gets it.”

A disco to raise money for Charley will be held at Bracknell fire station on Saturday, May 17. There will be a raffle with prizes from Panasonic, TNT, Toni and Guy, Currys and Reading FC. Tickets are £3. Call (01344) 454623.